14 September 2011 - Government u-turn on ESOL funding

The government has done a U-turn over the funding of English classes for immigrants. September is always a busy time for colleges as it is the peak time for enrolments. But after a government U-turn on funding for English classes for immigrants (known as ESOL), this year it has been busier than usual. The U-turn has been mostly welcomed by the sector, but it has caused staff in colleges around the country to work really hard to manage the volumes of ESOL students enrolling on courses. A campaign, led by ESOL tutors, against the changes has been running since the beginning of the year and colleges are keen to know why it took so long for the Government to come to a decision.